Learning is multi-faceted. For optimal engagement, learning that embroils multiple senses, such as sight and sound, can improve understanding for students – just reading a piece of text or hearing something can be insufficient.[i]
The growing innovations of technology, especially in computer-generated imagery (CGI), has made animated infographic materials widely accessible. Videos have been found to retain attention for the recipient over time, making them an ideal medium for education.[ii]
In cosmetic dentistry, the variety of treatments differ in their approach and complexity. For patients looking to enhance their smile, understanding a specific treatment can be difficult with words alone – dental practitioners should look to the benefits of animated infographic videos to help improve the patient experience.
Making the clinical crystal clear
Animated videos are a dynamic and modern way of engaging with dental patients as they demystify what each treatment option will involve. For instance, a patient considering a dental implant may understand that this replaces a tooth, but are not sure how. An animation at the consultation appointment can illustrate the step-by-step process, detailing the tooth extraction (if needed), the insertion of the implant, the healing process, the attachment of the abutment or post, and the fitting of the crown or bridge to complete the treatment. From bone grafts to composite bonding or tooth whitening, animations can illuminate cosmetic treatments with high-quality computer effects that are filled with detail.
In comparison, traditional methods for communicating treatment information, such as leaflets, posters or a dentist’s description are more limited. In each of these, only one sense is engaged; simply reading a leaflet or poster may not be enough for patient retention if there is a lot to read, whilst a dentist’s description relies on the patient’s listening ability and parts can be missed. Even when combined, these static approaches often lack effect – patients can forget up to 80% of the information received in a consultation and should not be expected to retain information in the months building up to appointments.[iii] Animations can solve this deficit and improve the short-term recall of health information.[iv]
A well-read patient
One of the barriers for dental practitioners to overcome is illiteracy; patients who have limited reading ability may struggle to understand clinical details, potentially signing off on something that they don’t know. The National Literacy Trust estimates that 18% of UK adults have very poor literacy.[v] This is further complicated by those that may try and hide their illiteracy due to embarrassment and, in healthcare, the complex biological terminology – reading information from unfamiliar sources can cause problems.v Non-verbal videos transcend language barriers – the worldwide success of Charlie Chaplin and Mr Bean are testament to this – by showing rather than telling. Communication barriers can be shattered with well-designed animations, and research elucidates that there is a preference for videos and animation, with no drawbacks to their use in daily practice.[vi]
Similar problems may occur for anxious dental patients, who may be distracted in the pre-operative period and are not focused on the treatment details.iii As not every patient will want the same level of detail from a dentist or a leaflet, or even to see real videos or photos of the procedure, an animation can reduce a treatment to a minimal visual level.[vii] Anxious patients may also feel more confident in the treatment if they are able to replay the video again and again, removing concerns and managing their expectations. This will better prepare them for each appointment of the treatment and ensure their expectations are met, improving their satisfaction.
Empowerment for patient and practitioner
Empowerment for patient and practitioner With a firm understanding of a treatment, patients can feel empowered by their knowledge, eliminating any doubt as to what is occurring at each appointment. This confidence enhances consent and better protects the dentist from litigation.vii
To support practitioners in presenting and delivering ethical cosmetic dental treatment, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) offers its members a wealth of exciting discounts. This includes 20% off Chairsyde, a consultation platform that helps patients visualise treatment through sophisticated animations. By taking advantage of this, BACD members can improve treatment acceptance for their patients, overcoming communication barriers with a modernised approach that heralds in a new chapter in patient understanding.
Advanced video animations represent an efficient and relevant way of keeping patients informed whilst also highlighting a practice’s commitment to excellent treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
For further information and enquiries about the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry visit www.bacd.com
Dr Sam Jethwa
Cosmetic Dentist
GDC #229989
Full Member – Dentist
Professional Biography
Sam qualified from Kings College London and has worked in both London and the Southwest of England. He provides routine care, aesthetic dentistry, with a special interest in tooth-coloured invisible restorations, botox and facial aesthetics, and short-term adult orthodontics. He invests heaviliy in his own Postgraduate training. He has been trained in Digital Smile Design (DSD) and Emotional Dentistry by world class cosmetic dentists, so can design your perfect smile using latest 3D technology and translate this to reality to show you how you could look before you decide to go ahead with treatment.
He has completed his fellowship examinations and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and is a qualified clinical teacher after completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education from the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow. Sam has carried out several courses with some of the best-known aesthetic dentists and is also completing the prestigious Chris Orr 1-year cosmetic dentistry course. He is Chair of the Communications Committee at the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). Sam is qualified in implant dentistry after having completed The Cambridge Academy of Implantology year course and the BioHorizons surgical course. He is an active lecturer and advisor for students looking to pursue dental careers. Sam plays the Saxophone, enjoys Golf, photography, and travelling and has a newfound love for boats after spending a week on a yacht designing smiles! He has climbed mountains in East Africa, travelled through South America and Australia. His favourite TV shows are Top Gear and Grand Designs. Sam takes pleasure in providing a detailed patient experience and likes to involve his clients every step of the way.
[i] www.dpag.ox.ac.uk. (n.d.). Researchers discover why multisensory learning is beneficial for memory. [online] Available at: https://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/news/researchers-discover-why-multisensory-learning-is-beneficial-for-memory.
[ii] Lackmann, S., Léger, P.-M., Charland, P., Aubé, C. and Talbot, J. (2021). The Influence of Video Format on Engagement and Performance in Online Learning. Brain Sciences, 11(2), p.128. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11020128.
[iii] NT Contributor (2021). Using animation to improve patient information in a pre-operative setting | Nursing Times. [online] Nursing Times. Available at: https://www.nursingtimes.net/hospital-nursing/using-animation-to-improve-patient-information-in-a-pre-operative-setting-29-03-2021/ [Accessed 4 Feb. 2025].
[iv] Hansen, S., Jensen, T.S., Schmidt, A.M., Strøm, J., Vistisen, P. and Høybye, M.T. (2024). The effectiveness of video animations as a tool to improve health infor-mation recall for patients: A systematic review (Preprint). Journal of Medical Internet Research. doi:https://doi.org/10.2196/58306.
[v] National literacy trust (2019). Adult Literacy. [online] National Literacy Trust. Available at: https://literacytrust.org.uk/parents-and-families/adult-literacy/.
[vi] Moe-Byrne, T., Evans, E., Benhebil, N. and Knapp, P. (2022). The effectiveness of video animations as information tools for patients and the general public: A systematic review. Frontiers in Digital Health, 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.1010779.
[vii] Bremer, K., Brown, E., Schenkel, R., Walters, R.W. and Nandipati, K.C. (2024). Video consent significantly improves patient knowledge of general surgery procedures. Surgical Endoscopy, [online] 38(8), pp.4641–4647. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-024-10975-9.
